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Katie Crowfoot @katie_crowfoot@RRule_OT I've used then in the past within Assessment & Treatment Learning Disabilities Wards. Now in Acute & PICU mental health managing the team and looking at how we implement this approach in this setting. #OTalk

Norma Harrington @NormaMai_Would love to get input regarding sensory strategies that can really support people to manage self-injury, those we can explore in inpatient settings that can be easily transferred into every day life in community #OTalk

Solei OT 🌻 @soleinj_RT @OTalk_: #OTalk 15 mins till it’s time chat About the use of sensory based interventions in psychiatric settings. With @RRule_OT and me…

Look Hear Australia @lookhearaust@OTalk_ I work in Paeds and we use it all the time, though I am interviewing next week for a psychiatric hospital for children and young people. I could see the implications but really here tonight to watch and learn from people already working in the area :) #OTalk

Dr Alison Warren @alisonfwarrenAm listening in to learn more about different settings appkying these approaches #OTalk

Kwaku Agyemang @KwakuOT@RRule_OT Yes, I’ve Used It Often In My Work With People With Learning Disabilities And Also In Mental Health Rehab Settings...I Have Also Observed And Used It Briefly During My Placement Working With Young Offenders In Prison. #OTalk

Patrick maina @mainap65RT @OTalk_: This is great and self discipline to undertake self directed learning is very important. And I personally believe it increases…

Baker @thebakerstron@RRule_OT#OTalk Working in high secure forensic services. I have used sensory approaches on a 1:1 basis with High Dependency patients, however there is significant further work required due to the environment, which further contributes to sensory deprivation.

#Hellomynameis Yvette @YvetteHaynesOT@RRule_OT I am an O.T Assistant working in mental health and O.T student. I am very interested in learning more about how SI interventions are used in mental health. #OTalk

Hannah Kay @HannahKayOT@RRule_OT Yes I've seen it used in forensic mental health women's service. Currently doing a sensory modulation assessment with a service user. #OTalk

#OTalk @OTalk_@emmadawsot you need to use the hashtag #Otalk in all your tweets otherwise your tweets will not be seen by others, the # is the only thing you need to use @ will not work

Norma Harrington @NormaMai_@RRule_OT I am new to adult acute mental health, we are exploring the use of sensory strategies more and more with @NaomiOT24 leading on this! #OTalk

K-OT @kalessandram@RRule_OT i work in learning disabilities, currently in intensive support service and inpatient unit. I use a variety of sensory based interventions, depending on the individual. #OTalk

Rachel OT 🌻 @_rachelOTQ2. What do you perceive to be the barriers or benefits to using sensory based interventions in your specific setting? What made you chose to (or chose not to) use them with individuals previously? #otalk

Grant Mitchell @MillennialOT@OTalk_#OTalk as a Inpatient Mental Health young adult unit, I tend to do more exploratory and educational sensory groups rather than interventions; to explore fidgets, Sensory materials, weighted blankets, brushes, fidgets, aromatherapy Etc.

Laura Jayne @Smalls_OT@RRule_OT ➖ Concept sometimes complicated to explain to some. Particularly arousal level and how this should go up and down throughout the day relevant to what we are doing. #OTalk

Grant Mitchell @MillennialOT@RRule_OT#OTalk there is some scarcity of concrete sensory strategy research and evidence, it’s tough to apply it directly to mental health settings aside from the research @Tchamp13 has done, I.e. weighted blankets have limited protocols especially for mental heath

Laura Jayne @Smalls_OT@RRule_OT ➕ Very useful pre Psychological therapy such as DBT, EMDR. Can gain lots of coping strategies which can be very effective #OTalk

Norma Harrington @NormaMai_@RRule_OT Increasing self-awareness and empowering people to identify their needs and self-manage emotions / symptoms is so important, especially for discharge. I think a barrier could be cost, need for more research within the UK and training! #OTalk

#Hellomynameis Yvette @YvetteHaynesOT@RRule_OT The O.Ts need for SI training in order to practice SI may create a barrier to adopting a sensory approach within O.T in mental health services. Mental Health Trusts would need to invest money in training and study leave. The online SI training program may help with this #OTalk

Look Hear Australia @lookhearaust@OTalk_#OTalk I think one of the barriers is other professionals not taking OT seriously/not knowing what we do/ you are just doing XYZ - how will that help etc, I get that even from teachers and other professionals

Rachel OT 🌻 @_rachelOTRT @Smalls_OT: @RRule_OT ➕ Very useful pre Psychological therapy such as DBT, EMDR. Can gain lots of coping strategies which can be very ef…

Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT@RRule_OT When I was in mental health, it was definitely used. However, in my current setting, not so much. #otalk

Laura Jayne @Smalls_OT@RRule_OT Often chose SI based interventions based on VdT MoCA Level, also based on risk. On reflection I think I was more likely to use with lower levels of ability and people who were deprived based on their risks (e.g: Long term segregation) #OTalk

Naomi OT @NaomiOT24@RRule_OT@NormaMai_ and I barriers are space and funding... finding appropriate space for people to explore sensory approaches and being able to fund the session! #OTalk

Kwaku Agyemang @KwakuOT@MillennialOT@OTalk_ I Agree...At Times, It Is More About Teaching People About All The Different Things They Can Use As Coping Strategies Rather Than Pure Interventions To Bring About Changes In Behaviours. #OTalk

Lucy Howell @howell_lucy@RRule_OT#otalk barriers- belief in effectiveness both clients and staff. Benefits - quick to have an impact, especially on emotions

Grant Mitchell @MillennialOT@OTalk_#OTalk I think understanding a model or hierarchy of use would be helpful too, whether a means or an end; sensory strategies are generally a bottom-up approach, that in someways is distraction oriented, I think framework that fits SI with CBT, DBT, etc would be helpful

Laura Jayne @Smalls_OT@JadeH_OT@RRule_OT Yes I guess so, I found it very difficult with some who often perceived we wanted them to be ‘Just Right’ all the time, and never go into blue/red zones despite the need to at times e.g if you was going to sleep #OTalk

Hannah Kay @HannahKayOTIn my forensic placement it seems a big barrier is the restrictive environment , however, they are able to overcome this by having care plans in place to ensure the environment is suited to the service users sensory profile. #otalk

Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT@RRule_OT Because I have to go around different nursing homes, hard to set such goals because of uncertainty of follow through from the rest of the teams that are regular staffs there. #otalk

Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOTRT @Smalls_OT: @RRule_OT ➕ Very useful pre Psychological therapy such as DBT, EMDR. Can gain lots of coping strategies which can be very ef…

Jade @JadeH_OT@eleanorramsell Did you learn much about sensory in your degree? I am about to go into 3rd year and we only had a brief intro to it. I think these discussions are helping to understand why everyone should have more sensory awareness, as every client has diff sensory needs! #OTalk

Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOT@RRule_OT Education is one- in service can be helpful to share knowledge with other staffs in the same setting. #otalk

Kwaku Agyemang @KwakuOT@MillennialOT@RRule_OT@Tchamp13 It Really Does Come Down To Purely Personal Preferences I Believe Regardless Of The Research I Believe...Sensory Preferences Differ Soo Widely That To Capture And Align Protocol Would Be Such A Massive Piece Of Work For Anyone To Undertake. #OTalk

Hannah Kay @HannahKayOTBenefits is that it allows the service users to find coping strategies or realise what may make them have a sensory overload. Sensory based interventions may also be beneficial when working with people who have self harming behaviours. #otalk

Norma Harrington @NormaMai_RT @Smalls_OT: @RRule_OT ➕ Very useful pre Psychological therapy such as DBT, EMDR. Can gain lots of coping strategies which can be very ef…

Dr Alison Warren @alisonfwarrenRT @BillWongOT: @RRule_OT And caregiver education (when applicable) is also important because sometimes you want to see if there is carryov…

Grant Mitchell @MillennialOT@RRule_OT#OTalk well the Adolf Meyer use of the ideas “opportunities for... doing, actual practice” I think are key... providing opportunity for experience of the autonomy of redirecting our nervous system, is ultimately OT because it can provide functional independence

#OTalk @OTalk_Some are forgetting to include the # in their tweets if you miss it out, your tweet will not be seen, and it will not go on the transcript of conversation so don’t forget #OTalk IN ALL TWEETS. https://t.co/umqISuhZhc

Katie Crowfoot @katie_crowfoot@OTalk_ I think OT are key to implementing the sensory based interventions, educating the team in learning, but also making the interventions realistic i.e. into everyday life occupations so that the patient can learn to incorporate into everyday routine. #OTalk

Look Hear Australia @lookhearaust@RRule_OT#OTalk teaching, showing, evidencing, and implementing these interventions with our clients, we know they work and we need to champion how these interventions are a non-invasive way to help

Hannah Kay @HannahKayOTAs well as in my current placement, I've also seen sensory based interventions used within older adults mental health. #OTalk

K-OT @kalessandram@RRule_OT i think it can be really beneficial in to helping the individuals develop or add to their own coping strategies. I trial strategies with the individidual and we explore what is calming and use this with a sensory ladder. I
add this to a PPBS &crisis plan #Otalk

Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOTRT @katie_crowfoot: @OTalk_ I think OT are key to implementing the sensory based interventions, educating the team in learning, but also ma…

Kwaku Agyemang @KwakuOT@eleanorramsell This Is Interesting To Hear...Similarly In The Prison, The OT Experienced Difficultly Getting Some Items...At Times Makes It Tricky But Also Creative At The Same Time! #OTalk

Laura Jayne @Smalls_OT@OTalk_ we have knowledge, so sharing, role modelling the benefits (particularly in challenging/crisis situations). It was lovely to hear our colleagues ring us because they didn’t know what else to do, then a simple intervention from SI perspective had massive benefits. #Otalk

Norma Harrington @NormaMai_@RRule_OT Also I wouldn't feel 100% sure about the safest use of sensory strategies with some individuals e. g. people who have been through trauma such as sexual abuse and the potential risk that exploring some sensory strategies could trigger feelings /memories e.g. deep pressure #OTalk

Jessika Lack @JessikaLack_OT@RRule_OT Work in high dependency rehabilitation (locked rehab), we definitely use sensory based approaches, mainly in 1:1s (service users with tactile hallucinations, anxiety, ASC) or as part of our recovery and wellbeing group, letting individuals learn more about themselves #OTalk

Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOTRT @Smalls_OT: @OTalk_ we have knowledge, so sharing, role modelling the benefits (particularly in challenging/crisis situations). It was l…

Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOTRT @NormaMai_: @RRule_OT Also I wouldn't feel 100% sure about the safest use of sensory strategies with some individuals e. g. people who h…

Baker @thebakerstron@RRule_OT#OTalk In high security, its about education - supporting staff to understand the concepts and how these affect the patients under their care. Also, by 'doing' - OTs can demonstrate the value through innovation, and using sensory approaches to change the 'status quo'.

Rachel OT 🌻 @_rachelOTQ4. Do you believe that sensory based interventions could reduce the use of seclusion and restraint in your area of practice? If yes, how could this be demonstrated to the wider team? #otalk

Naomi OT @NaomiOT24@RRule_OT#otalk - preventing readmissions by empowering people to self-regulate, find alternative ways to manage their mental health and explore new interests

K-OT @kalessandram@RRule_OT barriers are it being used as a one size fits all approach and undermining why we are doing it - not looking at the individual's needs in relation to occupation, ie non OTs seeking to give out weighted items to all without the expertise, individual assessment or guidance. #otalk

Grant Mitchell @MillennialOT@KwakuOT@eleanorramsell#OTalk to slight answe Question #2 again; item restrictions is a barrier, many tools aren’t safe and an organized checkout procedure beyond the basics of weighted blankets and aroma therapy, stressballs... is too much for the other unit staff on a locked unit

#Hellomynameis Yvette @YvetteHaynesOT@RRule_OT I have seen SafeWards calm down sensory boxes used on wards to help people relax, lower their levels of agitation and arousal. SI O.Ts could take sensory interventions a lot further by making them more personalised & related to peoples valued occupations to enable recovery #OTalk

Kwaku Agyemang @KwakuOT@MillennialOT@RRule_OT@Tchamp13 This Looks Good...Perhaps Picking One Thing To Focus On May Be The Start To Trigger Everything Else...Like A Domino Effect. Will Look Into This When I Start My New Role. Something Like The Self Love Is What I Found The Young Offenders To Be Lacking So Could Look At That...#OTalk

Grant Mitchell @MillennialOT@RRule_OT#OTalk I think it does when it’s used as a care plan, particularly with self-harm, when collaborating with other unit staff, having a list of strategies even if they aren’t implemented perfectly, gives an attempted alternative to verbal de-escalation only approaches

Jessika Lack @JessikaLack_OT@RRule_OT Education, helping people learn about themselves and others (in particular other members of MDT or caters/ family). Exploration, providing opportunities and experiences in the act of ‘doing’. #OTalk

K-OT @kalessandram@RRule_OT also unless we can clearly explain our clinical reasoning, what we are doing and why with good knowledge of sensory approaches & neuroscience and how it enables person to particiapte in occupations there is a risk of being asked to just focus on sensory not occupation #Otalk

Katie Crowfoot @katie_crowfoot@RRule_OT YES! I've seen the reduction of seclusion. But you need to get staff buy in... The only way I've found to prove this is by investing my time... Through observations, feedback to the team what I've observed and pre guessing incidents. De-brief/reflect with team, takes time #OTalk

Baker @thebakerstron@RRule_OT#OTalk I feel it has the potential to - especially on HDU in high security @JadeMarie_R . However, OTs need to be assertive in proving/measuring the impact of interventions - focussing on one patient to start things off, build a solid case study to present to MDT.

Naomi OT @NaomiOT24@RRule_OT#otalk Yes! I really do feel that it can reduce V&A. We’re auditing the impact of sensory integrations to highlight the reduction of incidents. We’re hoping to have sensory ax soon after admission and have it written in to care plans so that they client remains in control too.

Laura Jayne @Smalls_OT@NormaMai_@RRule_OT Defiantly something to consider. we saw a lot of distress and ways of regulating in the environment which were negative (e.g: seclusion to reduce sensory input, restraint for proprioceptive input). Think it’s useful to consider that it could be a positive risk to take #OTalk

Norma Harrington @NormaMai_@RRule_OT Agree with all the above! back to basics- to help people to engage in activity e. g. people with sensory avoidant traits may isolate themselves and not engage in activities in busy envirnmnts. . by addressing this sensory need, it may help them to increase engagement! #OTalk

Look Hear Australia @lookhearaust@RRule_OT I do!! I have seen it reduce both seclusion and restraint! But the most successful times was staff buy in, regular and consistent use of the interventions and regular feedback between the team and OT #OTalk

Rachel OT 🌻 @_rachelOTRT @NormaMai_: @RRule_OT Agree with all the above! back to basics- to help people to engage in activity e. g. people with sensory avoidant…

Hannah Kay @HannahKayOTYes! There was a service user who actually loved to be restrained because of the sensory input and the feeling it gave her. Once they understood the reasoning and what could give them a similar feeling - they didn't get restrained anymore. #otalk

Jessika Lack @JessikaLack_OT@RRule_OT We don’t have seclusion and I personally only been in a restraint once. Least restrictive practice possible but PICU in same NHS trust RC has found reduction of seclusion by 75% brining her dog to work #PATDog#OTalk sensory interventions help engagement with talking therapies!

Emma Hall @Emm_OT@kalessandram@RRule_OT#OTalk absolutely. SI goes so much further than the blanket label and can easily be diluted. I think many of us don't feel that we have enough knowledge in this area.

Hannah Kay @HannahKayOTI think you have a care plan and supportive MDT in order to achieve this though. This could be demonstrated by educating the teams on the results of sensory based interventions with psychiatric patients. We need more research!!!! #otalk

Laura Jayne @Smalls_OTSorry only a little bit here now! Forgot I needed to help the husband! #OTalk

Kwaku Agyemang @KwakuOT@RRule_OT OTs Have To Feel Confident About What They Are Observing And Hearing From The Client About Thier Sensory Preference Before Attempting To Facilitate Interventions To Decrease Seclusion & Restraint. Also Clearly Articulating Clinical Reasoning Would Be Of Upmost Importance. #OTalk

Rachel OT 🌻 @_rachelOTWow! That hour has flown by. Final Q. 5 How would you envision the assessment & implementation of sensory based interventions in your current practice setting? Do you think that this would be supported by the MDT? #otalk

Bill Wong, OTD, OTR/L @BillWongOTRT @HannahKayOT: I think you have a care plan and supportive MDT in order to achieve this though. This could be demonstrated by educating t…

#Hellomynameis Yvette @YvetteHaynesOT@RRule_OT MDTs who have an awareness and understanding of their SU's sensory needs and preferences may be able to find more therapeutic and creative ways to de-escalate situations. #OTalk

K-OT @kalessandram@RRule_OT Yes definitely, i have seen the impact, particularly when it is used proactively as part of someone's care plan. I think when someone is acutily unwell cognititive strategies are not effective. We need to communicate our resoning and document it. show impact pre & post
#otalk

#Hellomynameis Yvette @YvetteHaynesOT@RRule_OT SUs who are empowered to understand their own sensory needs and preferences as part of their Care Plan can work with their O.T or MDT to prevent harm and the need for seclusion or restraint #OTalk.

Rachel OT 🌻 @_rachelOTRT @kalessandram: @RRule_OT Yes definitely, i have seen the impact, particularly when it is used proactively as part of someone's care plan…

Grant Mitchell @MillennialOT@RRule_OT#OTalk speaking from, anecdote, and practical opinion; I think a few big factors is a slightly universal staff share system like the “zones of regulation” but adapted and relevant to different ages, with readable, appealing, graphically designed handouts with lists of strategies

Look Hear Australia @lookhearaust@OTalk_#OTalk we mainly use the SPM or SP and get okay take up..... I think though having a specific assessments related to our populations would be more helpful (for the MDT), would like to hear everyones thoughts!

Baker @thebakerstron@RRule_OT#OTalk Training in SI has been commissioned for the entire service. Following this, specific work with patients will be key to demonstrate this approach and its value to MDT. Case formulations between OTs can also support each other in developing interventions.

Katie Crowfoot @katie_crowfoot@RRule_OT sensory ladder, sensory preferences checklist, assessment of areas identify, observe how patient interacts with. Spend time on wards implementing whilst explaining all the time to staff. offer a week of your time (2full days will be enough, but team will buy in to plan!) #OTalk

#Hellomynameis Yvette @YvetteHaynesOT@RRule_OT Could SI O.Ts lead SI awareness training to their wider team? I think I read some where that some mental health services in New Zealand have done this... #Otalk

Naomi OT @NaomiOT24@KwakuOT@MillennialOT@RRule_OT@Tchamp13#OTalk I agree re research. I think that in MH we discuss a lot of sensory needs without it consciously being a sensory intervention ie self harm, personal care, mindfulness. I think @Tchamp13 research is amazing but sensory approaches vary from person to person, day to day!

Jessika Lack @JessikaLack_OT@BillWongOT@RRule_OT Very much supported by MDT.. just need to make sure understanding is clear and that all follow appropriate care plans and try to consider sensory profiles during engagement (ideal environmental or set up of engagement). Gardening with one SU in particular #OTalk

Tori OT @Tori_Doll_@RRule_OT I have definitely seen a difference in occ performance for specific s.users that I have used SI based interventions with. However, as a profession we definitely need to promote this more & contribute to the evidenced base. It's a huge area within forensic services! #OTalk

Rachel OT 🌻 @_rachelOTRT @Tori_Doll_: @RRule_OT I have definitely seen a difference in occ performance for specific s.users that I have used SI based interventio…

Kwaku Agyemang @KwakuOT@RRule_OT Possibly Helping MDT Members To Be Aware Of The Impact Thier Own Sensory Preferences May Have On Them May In Turn Heighten Their Awareness Of The Impact & Importance Regulation Of Senses May Be For The Clients. #OTalk

Hannah Kay @HannahKayOTRT @KwakuOT: @RRule_OT Possibly Helping MDT Members To Be Aware Of The Impact Thier Own Sensory Preferences May Have On Them May In Turn He…

Jessika Lack @JessikaLack_OT@YvetteHaynesOT@RRule_OT We had something like this in our NHS trust. Sensory based approaches in OT offered by particular by OTs in learning disability services (funded to provide SI as part of directorate). This was open to all OTs across the trust! Great get together and learning for all #OTalk

Autismum @Autismum1@RRule_OT#OTalk. I think it would be supported by the MDT. In Sussex we have a huge proportion of people who really struggle to manage their emotions and hurt them self in an attempt to make it stop. Many are not ready to tolerate psychology. A more skills development group is needed.

K-OT @kalessandram@RRule_OT It needs to be part of the care pathway, it part of the initial screening as could be impacting on participation in occupation and if so the reason for further assessment and intervention is clearly communicated. #otalk
Used to empower our clients,

Rachel OT 🌻 @_rachelOTRT @kalessandram: @RRule_OT It needs to be part of the care pathway, it part of the initial screening as could be impacting on participatio…

K-OT @kalessandram@RRule_OT i think we need to be explaining it to our MDT collegues and linking with evidence and occupation. I find getting them to understand theri own sensory preferences and experience some of the strategies themselves helps. Showing the difference to clients and audtiing #otalk

Naomi OT @NaomiOT24@RRule_OT We have amazing sensory assessments that are evidence based and developed by @NormaMai_ - they are user friendly and give people options to answer closed questions (exploratory) or give lots of examples (competence) for their sensory preferences. #OTalk

Katie Crowfoot @katie_crowfoot#OTalk this would make a really interesting OT conference topic day like the OT and Personality disorder one done earlier in the year. Getting OT's together to discuss share and develop skills would be amazing!

K-OT @kalessandram@RRule_OT#otalk giving a voice to clients who often already know and try to seek what regulates them and making a plan to use the effective ones , it can be very empowering. Looking with the individual at what sensory activites meet their needs in the communty , eg joining a running club

Phil King @philking53@lookhearaust@RRule_OT Sorry that's quite a pessimistic tweet! To get round this I strive to be consistently motivated towards sharing my knowledge with others, providing personal examples from my sensory self! #OTalk

Rachel OT 🌻 @_rachelOTThank you all so much for getting involved in this evenings #OTalk - your input has been fantastic! Looking forward to reading through the transcript. Hopefully we will all try to get involved in research in this area to promote its powerful impact in improving lives ☺️

Norma Harrington @NormaMai_@RRule_OT Thank you for facilitating this wonderful #OTalk - it was my first time participating but it definitely won't be my last. So insightful and really got me thinking. Best of luck for the future, it is definitely bright 🔆

#Hellomynameis Yvette @YvetteHaynesOT@kalessandram@RRule_OT Would the O.T need to be a qualified SI practitioner to integrate the assessment & implementation of sensory based interventions within the care pathway and initial screening? Or could the O.T have gained their sensory knowledge through other courses or work experience? #OTalk